Nestled along a calm country road in Sebastopol one will find Freeman Vineyard & Winery. Freeman specializes in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their wines are complex, enticing, and are crafted using grapes from their two vineyards; Gloria Vineyard that’s adjacent to the winery itself in the Russian River Valley, and the Yu-Ki Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast.
The winery is owned by husband and wife, Ken and Akiko Freeman who met in 1985 by chance. Ken was on a sailboat headed south on the Atlantic, when Hurricane Gloria forced Ken and crew to beat their way landward and spend the night in port. That evening they went to a party, where the best-dressed woman there was a stylish beauty named Akiko. They soon discovered that they shared a passion for fine wines. Today, at the winery one will find the date, 9/8/1985 engraved above the entrance of the wine cave. It’s the date that Ken and Akiko met – a sweet touch!
When visiting the winery, make sure to check out the picturesque Freeman Wine Cave – it’s the perfect spot for a small gathering or corporate dinner. Also, the lawn offers an ideal setting for a gourmet picnic underneath the redwoods.
Today, Ken is actively involved in the West Sonoma Coast Vintners association, which formed a new AVA to be established, West Sonoma Coast. Winemaker, Akiko is from Tokyo and her style of winemaking is balanced, sophisticated and thoughtful. Freeman wines are made in small quantities with the utmost attention to detail and today, it’s internationally known as one of the New World’s most acclaimed family-run wineries.
Upon arrival at the winery, my boyfriend, Matthew and I were warmly greeted by Ken and Akiko. We sat outside for a wine tasting and took in lovely views of towering redwoods and the Gloria Vineyard. Ken hosted us for the wine tasting and we started out with the 2019 Ryo-fu Chardonnay. “Ryo-fu” means “cool breeze” in Japanese. It’s a delicious Chardonnay and on the palate one can taste ripe pear, Gravenstein apples and almonds. In 2015, Freeman’s Ryo-fu Chardonnay was served at The White House during the Obama administration when the late Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe was visiting.
We also tasted the 2019 Hawk Hill Vineyard Chardonnay with fresh, bright stone fruit on the palate and a creamy minerality. As Freeman wines are coveted by wine connoisseurs and collectors from around the world you will often see them poured at exclusive events and fine restaurants, such as SingleThread in Healdsburg.
Following the Chardonnay tasting, Ken poured a couple of pinots. We started out with the 2019 Gloria Estate Pinot Noir and on the palate it’s bursting with fruit and has a silky yet powerful feel. We then sipped on the 2019 Yu-Ki Estate Pinot Noir with a delicious black cherry flavor and just the right amount of spice and earthiness.
After the wine tasting, we made our way to the guest house that sits next to the Gloria Estate Vineyard. It has a contemporary design and features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and is equipped with modern luxuries. One can find wifi, a Sonos sound system and high-tech Toto toilets to keep their buns warm during chilly Sebastopol mornings. The open layout is perfect for entertaining and I especially loved wandering the backyard that’s brimming with fruit trees and olive trees. On the back deck, one can lounge with a glass of wine or take a dip in the jacuzzi.
The guest house is located just 10 miles from the magnificent Sonoma Coast and it’s the perfect base for exploring Sonoma County. In addition, Ken and Akiko were so kind to provide us with recommendations for restaurants, activities, and things to do in the area. Do note: Rentals are available to Friends of Freeman wine club members only.
Today, Freeman Winery produces 6,000 cases, 60% of which goes directly to the consumer. They export 25% to 20 countries around the world. Overall, I had a wonderful wine stay and experience at Freeman Vineyard & Winery in Sebastopol. The staff is brimming with passion and is committed to producing the best of the best!
